Aladzha Monastery

November 02, 2019

Aladzha Monastery

The name of the Aladzha Monastery comes from tne Turkish word for colorful, variegated - aladzha. It is likely called that due to the bright colors of the frescoes, dating from the early Middle Ages.
This is one of the best preserved rock monasteries in Bulgaria. It was inhabited by recluse monks in the thirteenth and fourteenth century. Some scientists, however, connect it to the spread of early Christianity in Bulgarian lands and the appearance of the first monk brotherhoods (third to fifth century).
The monks' cells, the common rooms and the chapels are carved directly into the limestone rocks at two levels and above ground and are connected via an outside staircase.
After Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule, the monastery was abandoned but the local Christian population continued to visit and worship there. It was declared a monument of culture of national importance.
Aladzha Monastery is located just a few kilometers from Varna in the direction of Golden Sands.